Thanks CTW for his letter [125]. "I do not think I ever received a more kind letter than yours or one that gave me so much pleasure.–– You ought to have in your mind, the prospect of leaving England for 3 or 4 years before you can understand how to enjoy such a letter from such a person as yourself––". Regarding the voyage, "all is finally settled, & I have sealed away about half a chance of life.–– If one lived merely to see how long one could spin out life,––I should repent my choice.–– As it is I do not.––"

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Thanks CTW for four fungi which have arrived.

Transcription

Shrewsbury

Friday 23d

My dear Whitley

I found your letter on my table, when I came from Plymouth; but I really I had not time
to write to you from London or Cambridge, in neither of which places did I stay more
than 2 days.— I saw Herbert at Cam. & am afraid this letter
will not reach you.— I shall be very sorry for it, for I do not think I ever
received a more kind letter than yours or one that gave me so much pleasure.—
You ought to have in your mind, the prospect of leaving England for 3 or
4 years before you can understand how to enjoy such a letter from such a person
as yourself.— I am afraid we shall not meet, I leave Shrewsbury this day
week.— Herbert will find out from Henslow my direction, times of writing
&c. & when I can (it must necessarily be very seldom) you shall hear of
and from me.— I am rather tired this morning, & the post is soon going
out; so that you will excuse this letter: I have nothing particular to say excepting
that all is finally settled, & I have sealed away about half a chance of
life.— If one lived merely to see how long one could spin out life.—
I should repent of my choice.— As it is I do not.—

Again I thank you, my dear Whitley, for all your kind wishes, I hope they will come
true, & that when I return, I shall find you a happy & useful man.